Bishop Ambo joins public inquiry on human rights defenders’ plight

ANGELES CITY — Capampangan Bishop Pablo David, now prelate of the Diocese of Caloocan, was among those reported to have participated in a public inquiry on the situation of human rights defenders in the country, as organized by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

David was among those accused by Malacanang of involvement in the production of a video accusing the family of Pres. Duterte in alleged involvement in drugs.

“The inquiry is in response to petitions and complaints filed before the Commission, alleging Extra-Judicial Killings, Enforced Disappearances, threats, and other forms of harassment against organizations and individuals – collectively regarded as Human Rights Defenders – attributed to state organs and agents,” the CHR said in a statement yesterday.

The CHR said “in accordance with its primary mandate to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, the CHR, upon conclusion of its inquiry, intends to present to government and other sectors recommendations for respecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring a vibrant democracy.”

The public inquiry was held last Sept. 9 at the session hall of the CHR central office in Diliman, Quezon City.

The CHR has yet to release information on the outcome of the inquiry, but in its earlier statement, it said that the activity was also “a platform for both the government and various human rights defenders to engage in a dialogic and non-adversarial space.”

The agency said the resource persons included “local and international human rights organizations, the church, and government are expected to attend the public hearings.”

It also said David was among those who confirmed participation in the inquiry. The others who also confirmed were former Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Rep. Carlos Zarate, the office of Sen. Leila de Lima, representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Department of National Defense and, international human rights organizations.